Katoomb (Blue Mountains area) is a gift from God! A beautiful sight to behold and to keep in your memories of places traveled. Just don't visit all the tourist traps. Go to the out of way places. Study the landscape, look at the wildlife. Megalong Valley is a must see area, as well as Perry's look out. If you see a Lyre Bird... you are so lucky, we saw one and thought it to be magnificent!!! Happy packing everyone. Evie (USA)

Katoomba is one of the largest towns just off the highway that runs through Blue Mountains National Park. All of the hostels in Katoomba are in a fairly clustered area along the town's main stretch just off the highway, so you will not have to look far to find most of your amenities and things that you might need during your stay here.

The most famous thing to see and do here in Katoomba is The Three Sisters; these stunning rock pillars overlook the hazy blue valley that gives the Blue Mountains their name. Around this area you will also find the giant stairs hiking trail back up to the edge of the valley -- this is not for the faint hearted. For those who aren't so much into stairs and a massive challenge, Australia's steepest cable car runs back up the hill and it has a glass floor you can look through to see spectacular views.

There are adventure companies in the area that take groups out for abseiling, or there are also tours that you can do in and around the local area. Ask at the visitors center or at your Katoomba hostel and they should be able to point you in the right direction to find a tour that suits you if this is something you want to do.

Other highlights of the area are Wentworth Falls, the town center of Leura, and the Aboriginal Art Center in Katoomba. There is so much to see and do just exploring this amazing area of the world that you just can't go wrong.